Criminal Paralegal

Role Overview

The Superior Court of California in Riverside County is searching for a Criminal Paralegal to offer comprehensive legal and administrative assistance to judicial officers engaged in capital cases, writs of habeas corpus, and other intricate criminal matters. This position provides a chance to collaborate with seasoned legal professionals on some of the court's most critical and demanding cases.

Key Responsibilities

• Systematically organize, index, and maintain records and filings related to complex criminal cases.
• Analyze and summarize motions, briefs, pleadings, transcripts, and various legal documents.
• Carry out legal research and explore procedural concerns within criminal law.
• Support judicial officers and the Managing Attorney by compiling factual and legal summaries.
• Attend court sessions and document summaries of hearings and rulings.
• Gather and evaluate statistical and operational data pertinent to cases.
• Review and consolidate habeas corpus petitions and associated documents.
• Effectively communicate sophisticated legal matters verbally and in writing.
• Ensure case files are maintained with utmost precision and confidentiality.

Desired Candidate Qualities

• Strong analytical abilities combined with excellent legal research aptitude.
• Exceptional organizational skills capable of managing multiple complex tasks simultaneously.
• Producing meticulous, detailed, and clearly written work products.
• Upholding confidentiality and applying sound professional judgment consistently.
• Effective communication skills enabling collaboration with judicial officers, attorneys, court personnel, and justice collaborators.
• Thriving in a dynamic, teamwork-driven legal setting.
• Commitment to high standards of excellence, integrity, and dedication to public service.

Minimum Qualifications

Option I:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• At least two years of full-time experience in criminal law performing duties such as legal research, analysis, file management, or similar roles.

Option II:

• Completion of an ABA-accredited paralegal program.
• Minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience in criminal law covering legal research, analysis, file organization, or related responsibilities.

About Riverside Superior Court

Located in California’s fourth largest county, Riverside Superior Court spans fourteen court locations across 7,300 square miles, serving a population of 2.4 million. Its mission is to fairly and efficiently resolve legal disputes, applying laws consistently, impartially, and independently to safeguard constitutional rights.

Benefits and Additional Information

• Annual merit raises based on satisfactory performance.
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Participation in CalPERS pension plan with biweekly contributions between 7% and 8% depending on membership status.
• Optional deferred compensation programs.
• Generous leave accrual and fourteen paid holidays annually.
• Bereavement leave and tuition discounts.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or Temporary Expanded PSLF (TEPSLF).

Application and Selection Process

Applicants must submit an online application alongside a supplemental questionnaire; resumes alone will not be accepted. Applications are reviewed for minimum qualification compliance, with qualified candidates potentially invited for online or written assessments. Successful completion of assessments may lead to oral panel interviews and placement on an eligible list (not a guarantee of employment). Additional steps may involve background checks and drug screening.

The recruitment stays open until positions are filled, with a first-round application deadline of August 2, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST.

Reasonable Accommodations

The Court offers accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request, with advance notice requested at least five days before examinations.